why do I blog?

Welcome to Post #100, friends!

The obvious question, at such a pivotal, historic moment; what to blog about? I pondered the possibilities. And then I pondered some more. At the end of the day, however, the answer seemed obvious. It simply must be the answer to YOUR burning question. “WHY (the heck) do you (I) blog…?”

This is a question that I am often asked by people who do not blog. Or even know what a blog really IS! According to the Merrium-Webster Dictionary; “blog” is defined as follows: “A web site on which someone writes about personal opinions, activities, and experiences”. So there it is. Pretty simple concept. But that is merely the definition. I still have not told you WHY I blog. There are several reasons. Pull up a seat, friends, and get comfortable…

Blogging is really not that different than someone who journals with pen and paper in a pretty little book that is safely tucked away in their nightstand. The only real difference, basically, is the fact that Bloggers choose to share their “journal” with the world! Or, at a minimum, anyone who will listen! Blogging is very much a creative outlet for me. A way to share, with you, my daily life experiences – my passions, joys, triumphs… and even my sorrows. Blogging keeps me present in the moment(s). MY moments… MY life… I journey through my day with a heightened sense of awareness as to what is happening all around me. Every experience has the possibility of becoming part of a blog. A beautiful sunset, an event that moved me to tears, a conversation with a ~~stranger~~ new friend in the grocery checkout lane, a mouthwatering dish at a favorite restaurant… So often I find myself pausing to take in the moment, rather than rushing right through it. Affirming gratitude in my daily life. And this is good.

In the “blogging world” there are people who blog about absolutely EVERYTHING!!! I am, apparently, what is referred to as a “lifestyle blogger“. Basically, I am random and don’t fit into any specific “categories”. Ya. OK. I’m good with that. That is who I am. My blog is “live happy“. Definition: I blog about family & food; creativity & cocktails; homemade & humor; motherhood & marriage; parties & procrastination; girlfriends & gratitude; London & laughter…

To put it simply – blogging about my life makes me happy. And having people follow my blogs, like my blog posts or comment…? Ahhhh….. Very, very happy!!! My goal is to share a little piece of my world with you, in the hopes that we will connect. And I so hope that we do.

live happy… laugh, love, dream, create

the magic of mint

6 / 28 / 12

I was working on my July newsletter, and decided to take a little break and make myself a cup of tea. One of the things that I love most about summer is my herb garden… including a big pot of mint. spearmint, peppermint, pineapple mint & Chocolate mint!! Oh, so yummy! Thought that i would take a minute and share this minty little blog with you as i sip my tea…

LEMON-MINT FACE TONER

Oh my goodness… It’s SO HOT outside!! This face toner will instantly refresh and revitalize your summer scorched skin.

1 peppermint tea bag – I love the Trader Joe Organic Mint Melange Tea (1 c. hot water-for steeping)

T. fresh lemon juice,

1/2 c. witch hazel.

Steep the peppermint tea in water for a few minutes. Allow the water to cool down and add the lemon juice and witch hazel to the mix. Store it in a glass jar or spray bottle and keep refrigerated. Just spritz your face whenever you need a cool,refreshing pick‐me-up.

Mojito Cupcakes

Hmmm… OK, you have probably heard of, and/or tasted, the yummy, muddled, minty drink called a Mojito. Question is – Have you ever had a Mojito Cupcake??? I am guessing not; and neither have I. I’m just thinking that they sound mighty refreshing for a fun little summertime dessert. (Simply scrumptous with a cup of tea…?) Please note that I would certainly not turn down the opportunity to be on the “sampling committee”, if you are so inclined to give this recipe a whirl! I’m standing by…

live happy… laugh, love, dream, create

“just do it”

6 / 24 / 12

I turned fifty just over a year ago. Let me just tell you right now, I love it!! That year between fifty and fifty-one was one of the most important years of my life, so far. It was the year that I began the process of “re-discovering myself”. Since I plan to continue this procees well into my 100’s, I’m about halfway there. Plenty of time.

For a long, long time, I played around with the ideas of taking my business, Creations, in a fresh new direction. I dreamed of “following my passion”; a shabby chic with a French accent kind of direction. But, Oh my… all the changes that I would need to make!! New logo, business cards, website and – Oh ya – how about all new merchandise?! So there I was, one random day, in the middle of that glorious year of awakening. I just decided that the moment was NOW. So I did it. No regrets.

I love cooking and healthy eating. This is a good thing. I hate exercise. This is a bad thing. Went to a presentation on “healthy lifestyles” from a gal who knows what she is talking about – Mitzi Dulan. She speaks all over the country and is very well known in her industry and beyond. She also teaches “Boot Camp“. OK, let’s be honest here. Me going to Boot Camp is so far out of the box that the box is in Russia. But there I was, all “50 something” and ~~crazy~~ confident, so I grabbed a friend (love ya, Deb!), and we did it. Four weeks, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00-10:00. After the first day, my friend Deb and I were certain that we were dying. It hurt to lift my pinky finger. As one of my kids said, “there’s a reason why they call it Boot Camp, Mom”. Yep. There sure is. Crazy as it sounds, we even did a second session! I have to say – I was so proud of myself. Besides the physical benefits, there was that deep sense of accomplishment that comes from doing the impossible. And trust me – I saw Boot Camp as Impossible. Capital “I”.

And so the positive wave of my “50’s” continues. More changes. Some baby steps, some much bigger. I turned 51 in May, and I am already planning my 100th Birthday Party, so consider this blog your “save the date” card… May 2061. In the meantime; Enjoy every day. As Nike says… “Just do it”!! live happy… laugh, love, dream, create

my creativity meter

6 / 23 / 12

So today is my last (half) day at the Dallas Market. Heading back to the airport this afternoon to catch a flight to Nashville for a conference with my hubbie. My “roomies” are all still fast asleep, so I am in the bathroom, sitting on the edge of the tub with my laptop chatting with you… Not very comfortable, so this won’t be a long post – Ha!

Have had a great time here over the past three days, and I wish that I had an unlimited budget to spend on goodies for Creations… but that is not exactly the case. My very favorite showroom while I was here was one that sells all kinds of beautiful ribbons and adornments. My creativity meter went off the charts, and I am so inspired to go home and CREATE some goodies for you!! Things that I have been thinking about for a long time. Yep – it’s time to let those creative juices flow! Thanks, Donna, for creating such a beautiful and inspiring showroom. Your creativity has inspired MY creativity – and I thank you for that! (I will tell you more about my new friend, Donna, later… and the rest of the delighful crew! She deserves an entire blog post!)

OK – They are still snoring away in there (yes – literally!!!) so I am heading off to catch my last few hours of Market. Toodles…! live happy… laugh, love, dream, create